Andy Burnham to finally become PM in just hours as he hints at what his first step will be in path 'to do things a different way'

Andy Burnham will finally become the UK's new Prime Minister later today.

As part of this, the newly-anointed Labour leader is set to swing the axe on some of Sir Keir Starmer's ministerial allies once the long-awaited "orderly transition of power" is complete.

Both he and Sir Keir will be addressing the nation from Downing Street today - before the work begins for the Makerfield MP.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Burnham has hinted at what his "first step" will be, suggesting that immediate support with the cost of living crisis would be his priority.

He referred to the tax-free personal allowance being frozen at £12,570 for five years was the "thing I heard the most of the doorsteps" while campaigning in the Makerfield by-election and that the issue has been "lodged in my mind".

He added: "How do we just make people feel better?"

The soon-to-be PM said he had been in talks with the Treasury over the weekend regarding the announcements he will make this week.

He is expected to announce plans to cut energy bills and reduce bus fares.

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Scotland Yard looking into claims Labour banned fox hunting in return for £1m donation

The Met Police is looking into allegations that Labour introduced the ban on fox hunting following a £1million donation.

Scotland Yard is assessing the claims that the ban - which was introduced in 2004 - was done in return for a monetary gift by the International for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Former Labour fundraiser Brian Basham said he had "known for many years" that the act was "bought and paid for by a political donation".

Pro-hunting campaigners have filed a formal complaint requesting an investigation into Lord Mandelson and Mr Basham, as well as the Labour Party for alleged misconduct in public office.

Fears Andy Burnham 'will take Britain back to 1970s with state control' ahead of No10 takeover

Fears have been raised that Andy Burnham will plunge Britain back into the 1970s after he unveiled his plans for more nationalisation.

With Mr Burnham weighing up taking Thames Water and possibly bus services into the arms of the state, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said the new Prime Minister would "hammer businesses and take the country back to the 1970s with state control".

Mr Jenrick has previously warned that the Makerfield MP "plans to raise taxes on your family by £3,450".

"He’s advocated £38billion of new taxes. No one voted for this. He needs to rule them out... If he won’t, Reform will fight him," he said.

Kemi Badenoch issues stern warning to Andy Burnham as he prepares to become PM

Kemi Badenoch has issued a stern warning to Andy Burnham ahead of his first major speech as Prime Minister later today.

The Conservative leader penned a letter to No10's newest tenant, vowing to never "shirk" her responsibility as Leader of the Opposition to hold the Prime Minister to account.

Mrs Badenoch also piled pressure onto Mr Burnham to rule out tax rises on hard-working Britons and ditch Labour's "disastrous" ban on drilling in the North Sea.

Failing to do so would threaten Britons with a "damaging summer of speculation, affecting business investment, home owners and family finances", the North West Essex MP said...

READ KEMI BADENOCH'S WARNING IN FULL HERE

The announcements Andy Burnham has already made before he takes reins at No10

Digital ID Cards: Andy Burnham would scrap the digital ID card scheme and redirect the funding towards tackling the cost of living. He says the money should be spent on more immediate public priorities.

North Sea Oil and Gas: The new Prime Minister backs drilling at the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields - though only if existing licences are upheld. He says this would help protect jobs and improve energy security.

Thames Water: Mr Burnham is expected to place Thames Water into special administration if it cannot secure its finances. He also wants greater public control of essential utilities.

£2 Bus Fare Cap: The Makerfield MP is considering restoring the £2 cap on single bus fares. He also wants to make public transport more affordable for young people.

National Care Service: Mr Burnham wants to create a National Care Service with social care free at the point of use. He also plans to speed up reforms to the social care system.

"No10 North": The ex-Manchester Mayor plans to move part of the Prime Minister's Office to the city he once ruled. He says this will support greater devolution and regional decision-making.

Housebuilding: Mr Burnham has promised the biggest council house-building programme since the Second World War. He wants to use vacant public land to help deliver more affordable homes.

Wealth Tax and Business Rates: Mr Burnham has not ruled out introducing a wealth tax in the future. He also plans to cut business rates for smaller businesses while increasing taxes on large online retailers and empty high street properties.

RECAP: Andy Burnham to address the nation for first time as Prime Minister with promise of 'political stability'

Andy Burnham will pledge that his new Government "must deliver tangible improvements in people's lives".

The new Prime Minister will say in his first speech as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street that Britain "faces a moment not for triumphalism but for honesty and reflection" today.

He will set out his priorities for restoring confidence in Government and giving Britain more breathing room.

Mr Burnham will say that he is "acutely conscious" of being the sixth person to walk up Downing Street as a new Prime Minister in just 10 years...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE